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The perfect holiday party can be derailed in an instant, thanks to a splash of red wine down a new cocktail dress or some gravy spilled on Granny's antique table linen. Here are our top tips to keep your party going smoothly — and stain-free.
Getty ImagesRemove as much of the gravy as possible, then use a pre-treater right away on the remaining residue. Afterwards, rub some detergent onto the stain and scrub lightly. Then soak the stained item in warm water overnight. The following day, wash it in the washing machine with hot water and detergent.
MasterfileFirst, rub some detergent on the stain. Next, put it in the washing machine and, turned to the hot setting, wash with some colour-safe bleach.
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Scrape off all the sauce and sponge the stain with cold water right away. Whip together a mixture of one tablespoon of white vinegar, a half-teaspoon of detergent, and one quart of cool water and soak the stain in it for 15 minutes. Launder the piece on the hottest setting it will allow.
MasterfileHarden the wax with an ice-cube to make it easier to remove. Use a knife to pry off as much wax as possible. Place a paper towel on top of and underneath the stain, then press it with a warm iron. You'll need to keep replacing the towels until all the wax is absorbed. Use a pre-treater to get any remaining oil out, and then rub with some detergent. Rinse the mixture off with water, then wash the piece in hot water and chlorine bleach.
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Blot the area with a cloth first, then dab on some cold water or denatured alcohol, and rinse with vinegar or club soda. If the fabric can handle it, pour a little salt on there and let it sit for a few minutes, before rinsing the area with boiling water.
MasterfileDig out some oil solvent from the garage and dab it onto the stain. Add a little detergent to the stain before throwing it into the wash.
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